Sunshine Coast domestic violence prevention champions honoured

A Maroochydore organisation has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Brisbane today for its efforts to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt announced that SCOPE achieved a highly commended certificate in the Community Organisation Award category at the 2007 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards.

“The awards have been presented to individuals, groups, schools and organisations that have developed successful initiatives that help prevent domestic and family violence,” Mr Pitt said.

“It is important that those who speak out about domestic and family violence, who support victims and who promote the right to be safe in one’s own home, are applauded and recognised.”

Mr Pitt said that SCOPE had been honoured for its Community Minded Employment Training (COMET) initiative.

“COMET is a holistic program that is focused on personal development, transferable skills and vocational training,” he said.

“The program aims to overcome barriers, identify strengths and build a participant’s confidence and self-esteem, which has been negatively impacted on by the effects of domestic and family violence.”

The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards ceremony is one of the key events held during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which runs from 1-31 May.

Today’s awards ceremony recognised six winners and five highly commended certificate recipients in six award categories: Individual, Partnership, Community Organisation, School-based Prevention Project, Government and Indigenous.

Media contacts:
Peter Nibbs, Minister’s Office 3235 4280
Gabriele Kuhnert, SCOPE regional co-ordinator 5479 5911